Fun things to do in Avon-Otakaro Forest Park

Forests and wetlands aren’t just good for us, good for our city, and good for our environment – they’re also fun! And there are a whole lot of fun things we can do in Avon-Otakaro Forest Park.

On the water

Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, whitebaiting.

On the land

Walking, jogging, running, cycling, horse-riding, mountain-biking, orienteering, picnicking, bird-watching, playing in natural playgrounds, walking through art trails, attending outdoor concerts, taking a land train from Christchurch city to the New Brighton sea.

Red zone adventure and eco activities

Eco-friendly activity in the red zone forest and wetland park will make it fun for all. Picture: Rotorua Canopy Tours

In the air

It will take time for the kahikatea trees to grow to maturity in Avon-Otakaro Forest Park (50 years, in fact). But once they do, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be able to take tree-top walks, get their thrills on forest zip lines, test their balancing skills on high-wire courses… there’s plenty of adrenaline to be found in a native forest!

Inside – and on the edge

The park could have an information and education facility, with small-scale commercial activity around it. Here you’ll be able to have a cup of coffee and a muffin in a café, attend a farmers’ market, camp, get married, attend educational seminars… the possibilities are limited only by what the people of Christchurch want to do and what nature can accommodate.

Boosting knowledge

The developed forest, wetlands, and Avon-Otakaro River can also help to make learning fun.

Students from schools, universities, polytechs – and even the University of Life – will be able to study biodiversity, ecology, water and air quality in a natural area right on their doorstep.